- Banned
- #281
Scriptures are very clear that salvation is a GIFT. Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses are in the cult category because they can't accept that salvation is a GIFT received by FAITH, not works. Religion doesn't save anyone. Only Jesus.Salvation is a GIFT. It is received by faith. Service is out of love and gratitude. It's relationship. The thief on the cross didn't do anything, but he was saved by faith.I would agree in the sense that we believe we do have an active part in our salvation.
I think the difference is that Protestants and Catholics believe that Grace is unconditional when teamed with Faith.
If you have Faith you will always strive to do good deeds but you will fail at it. Not to worry. Jesus took that burden away from us.
God bless you for your Faith.
Can you explain what you mean by unconditional Grace.
We believe his Grace is a available to everyone who will accept it. He is no respecter of persons.
However, you do have to accept it in some way.
Our concept of good deeds, done with true intent, is that they are amplified by the Atonement in a way that changes our very nature.
The deeds themselves are of no worth. But the effect they have on us is what is key. We grow closer to the Lord and better understand his desires for his children.
We simply think that is a lifelong (and beyond) process.
I expect you believe it all happens at once when you accept Christ.
If you don't accept unconditional Grace then you go beating yourself up thinking you could have done better.
Or you get shame by others for not doing what they think is better.
I think our LDS friends fall in that category. So many requirements, so much measurement, so much of everything except the simple acknowledgement that Christ died for our sins.
That is why I say they are a deeds based religion that flys in the face of Christianity.
They are not Christians.